breastfeeeding

redcar_2

Great thread and really love to hear the stories from those who enjoyed breastfeeding.

Mum's who don't get enough support to be able to breastfeed shouldn't feel guilty, but as Lexi says almost all Mums should be able to breastfeed, formula hasn't been around that long! I do think through some Mums do get into such a state from poor technique where they do get to a point where the only sensible thing to do is stop. Kinda like saying you put your shoes on the wrong feet and then boy do they hurt and you aren't going to be able to carry on walking far! Mum's who find they have to give-up beacause of the pain they feel are let down by our system. I don't want to blame midwives either as often they don't have the time always to spend with new Mums.

Formula def isn't as good as breastmilk and overall babies fed formula are significantly sicker than ones who are breastfed. Thats not to say that all formula fed babies are going to be sicker, its just the same as saying people who get regular exercise will be healthier doesn't mean some couch potatoes don't live to a ripe old age. For our country breastfeeding is a great freebie too as it saves the health service millions.

They key I think is getting the right support, if you do there shouldn't be any pain at all and some pain, even stuff you can grit your teeth through is probably a sign that you could perhaps do with a bit better advice on how to latch the baby on. The trouble these days is that we just don't see many women breastfeeding in front of other people so that we can learn how to do it. Hats off to those that do breastfeed and also the ones who do it in public - not only are you doing a great job for your kids but also helping others see breastfeeding as normal. :T

Don't get me started ranting about people who feel they have a right to tell Mums to stop breastfeeding in public and people who think that Mums who want to breastfeed should use the toilets!! :mad:

WELSH-DRAGON_2

Our local paper once had a story about a local cafe that told a mum who was breastfeeding discreetly to stop. My experiences were all positive and once in a shoe shop I was ushered into a corner by a lovely SA who could see I need to feed DS. Then at church, I would breastfeed in the vestry if the baby got hungry.

One of the benefits for me too was that I get painful periods and whilst breastfeeding I didn't have any, which was great for me and my normal hormonal PMT moods and saved me buying sanitary towels etc so I saved money on them too.

Welshy x

greenishfingers

It doesn't matter whether you breastfeed or bottle feed really, so long as you are doing what is right for you and your baby. I breastfed for 20 months (it was like a lifetime) with DD. It hurt for quite a long time (my fave nipple cream remains Lansinoh) and made me feel completely unsexy, so I completely understand why it is not right for everyone. But I guess I must have believed in the benefits of it, otherwise I wouldn't have stuck with it... or maybe my brain fell out with the placenta...

CharleneUK

I formula fed my first daughter, but the formula was free with milk tokens.

Breastfed my last two, only just finished BF my 14 month old due to taking a large dose of anti biotics two weeks ago for stupid wisdom tooth!!

I must say though, I did try to combine feed in the beginning but was really fuming at paying £8+ for the only type of formula she would keep down!! I think I did two tins worth and that was it! LOL.

I do miss it though, but I was ready to stop.

cheddar

greenishfingers wrote:

It doesn't matter whether you breastfeed or bottle feed really, so long as you are doing what is right for you and your baby.

Quite posibly the best comment on this thread.

yorkshirepudding_4

I disagree, it does matter what you feed your baby. Over 99% of women can breastfeed, given the facts, the right support and if it is promtoed well and we properly represent breast feeding and try to dispell some of the myths.

I am really sick of this attitude that formula milk is an adequate alternative to breast milk. It simply is not. I read an article recently that stated that suggesting formula as a desirable substitute for breast milk is like saying dialysis machines are a good alternative to kidneys. Yes that are both required, they have a place and they can save lives, but why give your child second best in life when you can do what is best for them (and yourself) yes, there are a small number of women that have pain, but isn't having children about putting them first and doing what is best for them, surely a couple of days of pain is worth it for your child's future? Women need to stop putting their own selfish needs before that of their children. I was speaking to a lady who said she wasn't going to breastfeed because she didnt want her boobs to sag-well first this is a myth it is being pregnant that loosens your ligaments including those supporting your boobs-and second-so what if it did make your boobs sag? is it not worth it to know that your child has the best chance at a healthy life?

Bottle fed babies-

Have lower IQs
Have more ear infactions
Have a higher risk of obesity
Have more gastric problems
Are less socially mobile
Have more urinary tract problems
Have general lower immunity

As mentioned above of course this isnt always the case, for every poorly breastfed baby you will find a healthy bottle fed baby.

I remember a programme a while ago about breast feeding, where a group of women sat feeding in public. I man caming over and said, look at my lad, bottle fed and as strong as an ox, to which the woman replied-look at my child, breast fed and as intelligent as a human. i though that was fab

looby75

I don't want to tread on anyone’s toes here but I really don't think that this is an appropriate thread for this part of the site.

I am totally 100% pro breastfeeding having done it with both of my kids (with varying degrees of success) but while it is money saving it's not always totally free (breast pads, nursing bras, nipple cream anyone?)

Then there is the guilt associated with NOT bfing, for whatever reason, that many mums feel when they bottle feed. If you go to a baby site or the families board on this site you may well expect to see threads about bfing and can avoid them if you wish, you don't expect to see a thread about such a possibly emotive issue on the freebies board of a money saving site, and it may well upset someone who is already having a tough time.

Personally I feel this post would be much better suited to the MoneySaving in Marriages, Relationships & Families board.

Sorry jmo.

vixarooni

i would like to breastfeed when i can, but as a woman who has spoken to alot of ladies about boobs (im a bra fitter) they have nearly all said dont do it! Plus ive seen the boobs after, its not good for the future.

But, i'll give it ago to see if my babino likes it (when i have one)

i know i didnt when i was a baby.

keelykat

vixarooni wrote:

i would like to breastfeed when i can, but as a woman who has spoken to alot of ladies about boobs (im a bra fitter) they have nearly all said dont do it! Plus ive seen the boobs after, its not good for the future.

But, i'll give it ago to see if my babino likes it (when i have one)

i know i didnt when i was a baby.

Bit vain worrying about how your boobs will look after breastfeeding! just my opinion!

keelykat.

wanting2save

looby75 wrote:

I don't want to tread on anyone’s toes here but I really don't think that this is an appropriate thread for this part of the site.

I am totally 100% pro breastfeeding having done it with both of my kids (with varying degrees of success) but while it is money saving it's not always totally free (breast pads, nursing bras, nipple cream anyone?)

Then there is the guilt associated with NOT bfing, for whatever reason, that many mums feel when they bottle feed. If you go to a baby site or the families board on this site you may well expect to see threads about bfing and can avoid them if you wish, you don't expect to see a thread about such a possibly emotive issue on the freebies board of a money saving site, and it may well upset someone who is already having a tough time.

Personally I feel this post would be much better suited to the MoneySaving in Marriages, Relationships & Families board.

Sorry jmo.

I agree, i am totally pro breastfeeding too but hate that women are made to feel inferior if they do not. Also on the flipside it is disgusting that a woman should feel uncomfortable for breast feeding by other members of the public... basically if a baby needs feeding unless you are flapping your boobs in others faces then you should be left to do it. I know this attitude puts many mothers off Breast feeding.

As i have said previously i am a breast feeding supporter and i have been pumped with all the 'Bottle fed babies have a lower IQ, more ear infection stuff' and i have to say i do disagree with it as a whole, i think these are more statistics which are designed to make mothers feel bad for not breast feeding.
I have a 4 yr old who was not bf who is very intellegent (reading and writing already) and perfectly healthy and a 2 yr old who was bf for nearly a year and has suffered numerous ear infections. She is still intellegent but i think things like IQ have much more to do with upbringing than the type of milk given as a baby but that is an entirely different debate.

As a Breast feeding supporter i have women who i see who are embarrased to tell me when they have introduced one bottle to their children a day as they think that i would be 'angry' at them for not purely feeding breast milk. This saddens me as it is a mothers choice and they should not be embarassed.

Anyway enough from me for now....

Breast feed if you can as it is a fantastic feeling for most women and is cheaper and also it is specially made for your baby but dont feel bad if it doesnt work..... stay happy!!